PAX East 2012: Lollipop Chainsaw preview

Dat ass...so I had the opportunity for another hands-on demo for Suda 51's latest bizarre creation, Lollipop Chainsaw. And after playing a new level I'd not yet seen before, my PAX East preview solidified what I already knew about Lollipop Chainsaw - this game is going to be sexy.

I entered the newly transformed "school" bus, where I was literally thrown into the game. Unfortunately, it was rather loud and the volume was kind of low so I was a little lost as to what exactly was happening, but there I was in the middle of a sandy farm-like environment fighting my way past zombies clothed in overalls and straw hats. For those who don't know, the gist of Lollipop Chainsaw is zombies taking over a school, and you're fighting as a hot, 18-year-old cheerleader who goes by the name Juliet Starling. Need I say more?

Armed with a deadly chainsaw and acrobatic cheerleader moves, I fought my way through hordes of zombies, slicing and dicing and flipping my way through the level. Combat was smooth and fluid as I performed combos severing the heads of the undead. There was blood, there were lollipops, there were sparkles and glitter, and, best of all, upskirt shots of our lovely heroine Juliet.

In short, it was completely ridiculously, but ridiculously fun. And something that could only come from the mind of genius creator Suda51.

The gameplay experience was similar to my prior playthrough with the game. The combos were present, the deadly finishing moves were gruesome, and I was rewarded with lollipops and coins. This time, however, the devs know what the coin rewards will be used for: unlocking new abilities, combos, and hopefully more sparkles!

This playthrough also presented me with an entirely new use for Juliet's chainsaw. At one point, the chainsaw appeared to transform into a cannon blasting lollipops at my foes. This is one of what I assume to be many uses with Juliet's weapon. I basically blasted away at zombies, having to occasionally scour for more lollipop ammo scattered around the level.

It was then where I was greeted with a new type of miniboss. This was a different type of encounter from my previous one which had me dealing with a crazed undead rocker who shouted profanities. In this fight I had to use my lollipop blaster to shoot zombies off a bus. It was pretty easy, and once completed I found out that Juliet's boyfriend, or what's left of him anyway, actually has a purpose.

I'm not exactly sure what went down at this point due to the lack of volume, but his head ended up on a beheaded zombie and I was moonwalk dancing my way as it across the level with quick time events. It was weird, but funny. It was then that I realized his purpose in the game (aside from playing a role in a supposed love story) will be to help Juliet in her encounters, be it through helping her leap over obstacles or something else.

Unfortunately, my demo ended there due to overwhelming demand for fans wanted to get their hands on the game (understandable). But in my short time with the game, I can safely say that Lollipop Chainsaw is a game to keep your eye on as its June 12th release nears. If nothing else, it will be a damn good time as you mow your way through the zombie-infested remains of the Juliet Starling's high school. Oh, and did I mention she is one of the sexiest pixilated characters ever?